Bryce Cornet: Rising Star in the Mazda MX-5 Cup
DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Bryce Cornet, although in only his second full season of competition in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup, has established himself as a formidable presence. Following a successful karting career and an SCCA National Championship in Formula Mazda, Cornet transitioned to the MX-5 Cup in 2022, supported by Mazda’s scholarship program.
Starting 2024 strong, Cornet achieved a third-place finish in the opening race at Daytona International Speedway. “My time in the car has been minimal, and so being able to start off 2024 at Daytona with a podium was super gratifying,” he said. His early success set a positive tone for the season, despite facing challenges on track throughout the year.
Heading into the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) weekend, Cornet was positioned in the top ten of the championship standings. However, he encountered difficulties during the event, resulting in a slip in points. “It’s just we’ve had some on-track struggles, which come with motorsports,” he noted. A strong performance at Road Atlanta could still secure him his best overall finish in the series.
Beyond racing, Cornet applies his MBA as the fulfillment operations manager at EV Battery Solutions, part of the Cox Automotive Group. His coaching experience has kept him active in motorsports, particularly with Spark Performance, where he not only raced but aided younger drivers.
“I think the coaching last year was a big development year for me,” Cornet explained. His insights from coaching helped him understand the MX-5 better, enhancing his ability to make real-time adjustments during races.
Cornet’s journey has not been without challenges. Diagnosed at age 15 with heart conditions including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, he faced significant obstacles that threatened to end his racing career. “I see myself as still in the pivotal part of my racing career… because of that situation,” he shared.
In addition to racing, Cornet actively raises awareness for heart health, collaborating with organizations such as the American Heart Association and the JoeAbate Foundation. A documentary highlighting his story has garnered awards at various film festivals, spreading hope and inspiration to others facing similar health issues.
As Cornet continues to pursue his dream of becoming a professional sports car racer, he remains committed to making a positive impact off the track as well.
